CHARITIES, community groups and not‑for‑profit organisations delivering community‑led projects across Essential Energy’s network area are encouraged to submit their applications for the 2026 Essential Grants program before the end of March. The program is offering grants of up to $15,000 to help eligible organisations bring their initiatives to life and deliver real benefits for people, […]

FOR more than 20 years, Port Macquarie Lions Club has been running its iconic Charity Duck Race. The annual event is the club’s most lucrative fundraiser, with the money raised going to local organisations. From 10.30am on Sunday 5 April, 2,000 yellow rubber ducks will float their way along Kooloonbung Creek to the finish line. […]

Janet Cohen fought for the right for the terminally ill to die with dignity. Janet outside State Parliament with MP Alex Greenwich, who introduced the VAD Bill, and former Port Macquarie MP Leslie Williams. Janet with partner Glenn Brewer looking at plans for the historic Pilot Station Lookout at Camden Head. Photo: Sue Stephenson. CAMDEN […]

Liberty Domestic and Family Violence Specialist Services CEO Kelly Lamb, Dr Kristy Kostalas from Port Medical Aesthetics Clinic and Regional Australia Bank Chief Risk Officer Les Bailey. Photo: Atlantis Creative. Dancers entertain the crowd at the fundraiser. Photo: Atlantis Creative. THE Hastings community has again given generously in support of Liberty Domestic and Family Violence […]

LUKE Mackay has been recognised for 28 years of service at Ritchies Timbertown IGA and his strong connection to the Wauchope community. A familiar and friendly face to customers, Luke has become a well-known local identity. Ritchies Timbertown IGA Manager James Thomson said Luke had become an important part of both the workplace and the […]

A MID North Coast woman is turning past hardships into purposeful action, walking 135 kilometres across Western Australia to support young people facing homelessness. Hayley Gibbs draws on her own lived experience of youth homelessness to advocate for others who face instability, fear and isolation. She is raising funds and awareness for regional communities, with […]

Gardening guru Mal McKinlay. The Garden Clubs Australia zone meeting at Bonny Hills. THERE are more than 550 garden clubs in Australia with approximately 50,000 members. For gardening guru Mal McKinlay these numbers are reflective of how a love of gardening can connect people. On Tuesday he hosted a gathering of 30 garden club representatives […]

Mother-and-daughter duo Sonya and Ula at their Port Macquarie studio. Photo: supplied. The ceramic bird installation at the National Film and Sound Archive of Australia. Photo: supplied. CERAMIC artists Sonya and Ula Jordan have taken their handmade creations from a Port Macquarie studio to one of the nation’s most significant cultural institutions. Their work is […]

Tegan Wright is this week’s Heartbeat of the Hastings. Photos: supplied. Tegan Wright is this week’s Heartbeat of the Hastings. Photos: supplied. TEGAN Wright’s path to where she is today wasn’t always clear. Growing up, she says she often felt a little lost. After leaving public school, she wasn’t sure who she was or what […]

A MID North Coast woman is turning past hardships into purposeful action, walking 135 kilometres across Western Australia to support young people facing homelessness. Hayley Gibbs draws on her own lived experience of youth homelessness to advocate for others who face instability, fear and isolation. She is raising funds and awareness for regional communities, with […]